March.] THE FRUIT GARDEN. 221 



Having the ground previously well prepared, open a wide hole 

 for every tree about a spade deep, or according to the size of the 

 root, and loosen the bottom well. Then prune the roots of the tree, 

 that is, cut off bruised or broken parts, and trim the ends a little of 

 all the very long straggling roots in general, prune out irregular 

 shoots of the head, then place the tree in the hole, break the earth 

 well and throw it in equally about the roots, and when all is in 

 tread the surface gently round the tree. 



New planted fruit trees should be well secured from the violence 

 of the wind; if they are all standards in exposed situations, let 

 them be supported with stakes, and if wall trees, &c. with large 

 heads, planted against walls and espaliers, fasten their main 

 branches thereto. 



tCP As the seasons for planting out fruit and other trees differ 

 so much in the climates of the United States, and even in the same 

 place in different seasons, the only sure guide is to plant all kinds 

 of trees as soon as their buds begin to swell, or rather a little 

 before. 



Gooseberries and Currants. 



Prune gooseberry and currant bushes, where they are not yet 

 done; but let this work be finished the beginning of the month. 



Keep the branches thin and the middle of the trees open and 

 clear of wood, so as to admit the sun and air freely, by which 

 means the fruit will be large and well tasted. Observe the rules 

 exhibited in January, page 32, February, page 137, and also in 

 October. 



From the beginning to the middle of this month, is a good time 

 to plant gooseberry or currant trees; the former particularly re- 

 quire rich ground, plenty of manure, frequent culture about the 

 plants, and to be kept on one stem. The best form for a well 

 trained standard gooseberry, or currant, is that of a wine glass; if 

 you expect good fruit, you must be particular to keep them free 

 from suckers. 



Manure and dig the ground between the gooseberry and currant 

 trees, which, as they are just advancing in bud, will now be of 

 great service, in promoting a plentiful production of large good 

 fruit. 



For the best methods of propagating gooseberries and currants, 

 see the work of the Nursery for this month. 



Pruning and Planting Raspberries. 



Prune raspberries, when not done before, agreeably to the direc- 

 tions given last month, page 138; let this be done as early in the 

 month as possible. 



You may now make new plantations of raspberries, where wanted. 

 Observe that the young shoots or suckers, which arise every sum- 

 mer from the old roots, are to be chosen for this purpose. These 

 should be planted in good ground, and in an open situation; if you 



